"It was an honor and pleasure to sail with you aboard USS England, Skipper. We had the best crew of pirates and the most squared away vessel that Davy Jones ever saw! Will never forget all the informal chats you and I had on the bridge, in combat, and down at the MARS station. I will also never forget your congratulatory love pat to my left arm the day you gave me the news that I had been selected for OS1. Rest easy, Shipmate. I live in San Antonio now, and will be visiting your sea cabin from time to time."
In loving memory of
Gerald Dunn
November 29, 1937 - March 2, 2020
Captain Gerald Leo "Jerry" Dunn (USNRet), 82, passed into eternity on March 2, 2020 at his home in Kyle, Texas. Jerry was born in Seattle, Washington to George Lee Dunn and Mary Regina Johnson Dunn on November 29, 1937.
Jerry graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1956 and Bullis Prep School in 1957. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961, a Bachelor's Degree in Math from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1967 and a Master's Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1977, in addition to completing Defense Systems Management College in 1976 and Naval War College in 1984. He served his country as a distinguished officer in the United States Navy for 34 years. He achieved the rank of Captain and enjoyed much of his career at sea with 17 duty stations spanning the world.
He was the Commanding Officer of the USS Decatur from '79-81 and of the USS England from '84-86. The USS England, a guided missile cruiser, was his pride and joy, and he credited their success to the amazing caliber of his crew. In addition to campaign medals and ribbons, Capt. Dunn's decorations included: 3 Legion of Merit Medals, 1 Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 1 Navy Achievement Medal and 1 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. Jerry retired from the military in San Diego on June 30, 1991 and worked as a Senior Principal Engineer for Digital Systems Research until relocating to Austin, Texas in 1993 where he became a driver for Cook Walden Funeral Home. Jerry enjoyed singing, dancing and athletics and played basketball for the Naval Academy. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Plum Creek Golf Course. His favorite pastime was supporting his grandchildren in all of their athletic and academic endeavors. He was a devoted family man and friend who trusted in the Lord.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Hansen Dunn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter, Laurie (Joel); son, David; granddaughter, Mikayla (Christopher); grandson, Jaden; great-granddaughter, Leilani; brother, Lee (Kathy) and sister-in-law, Karen and many nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Commander George Lee Dunn; mother, Mary Regina Johnson Dunn and brothers, Bobby and Don.
Due to COVID-19 personal protection protocol, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 at a date to be announced in the near future. Private Family Burial will take place at 2:30 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. Harrell Funeral Home of Kyle will be handling the funeral arrangements. If you would like to receive text updates from the family regarding future service details, please sign up on the obituary page of Harrell Funeral Home's website.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to New Haven Memory Care of Kyle and Resolutions Hospice for their compassionate care of Jerry as he transitioned to Heaven.
Tributes
"I served under Captain Dunn on the USS England. That crew, and that ship, at that time were exceptional. Captain Dunn\'s remarkable leadership and integrity were the driving force behind all of it, and everyone on the crew knew we had an extraordinary captain. "
"I am honored to have met you sir, It was a pleasure talking to you about our military experiences. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. BMCS(SW) Gary Hibner USN Retired"
"I served with Captain Dunn on the USS England, CG-22. Hand Salute to a true man of Honor!!! Prayers for him and his family!!! May he have a fast boat, smooth seas and great shipmates!!! Sir, the honor was mine to have served with you!!! ENC William Zegers USN, Ret "
"Thinking of you and your family in this time of loss. Prayers and love to you all"
"I did not have the opportunity to meet this great man. However, I?m blessed to know his son. This Father was obviously a very good man as displayed by his children and evidenced by all the loving photos. May he Rest In Peace for eternity. I wish his entire family love, peace and comfort."
"I first met Jerry when he and Karen returned to Oak Creek, WI to be married. I figured anyone who could capture my fun-loving cousin Karen?s heart must be special. When I saw them dance together, I figured that was part of it-both great dancers! I was with them when Jerry retired from the Navy; Karen had to be distinctive and arrived in a wheelchair since she had broken an ankle. She still managed to throw a great party for friends and family. My husband Mick and I visited them several times after they moved to Texas; we never knew there were so many John Wayne movies! Being with my cuz Karen always meant fun, and sometimes we even let Jerry join in. We helped celebrate their 50th-how quickly our lives pass us by. Our love and sympathy is with the whole family, but my heart is with my favorite mischievous, quick-witted cousin Karen. "